Sept 5 (Reuters) - Futures tied to Canada's main stock

index inched up on Friday, ahead of the much-anticipated U.S.

and Canadian employment data that could influence the September

interest-rate decision by the countries' central banks.

Futures on the S&P/TSX index gained 0.12% to

1,717.40 points by 06:00 a.m. ET (1000 GMT). The benchmark index

ended higher for the seventh straight session on Thursday,

notching another record rally.

U.S. and Canadian jobs data, due at 8:30 a.m. ET, could

prove pivotal in shaping upcoming policy decisions by the Bank

of Canada and the Federal Reserve.

Economists forecast Canada's economy added 10,000 jobs in

August and the unemployment rate rose to 7% from 6.9% a month

earlier.

Meanwhile, forecasts for tepid U.S. job growth in August and

a rise in unemployment to 4.3%, if accurate, would confirm a

softening labor market and seal the case for an interest rate

cut from the Fed this month.

Money markets see a 71.7% chance of a 25-basis-point

interest-rate cut by the BoC on September 17. The benchmark rate

is at 2.75%.

In commodities, oil extended decline into a third session

while gold prices edged higher and copper posted modest gains on

Friday.

In corporate news, Strathcona Resources ( STHRF ) bought

additional 6.04 million common shares of rival MEG Energy ( MEGEF )

for about C$172.7 million ($124.99 million).

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